A to Z: Letter U

Whenever I read the story of Esther, I often wish I knew more about her. She seemed like such an unlikely pick, but yet was the perfect fit for God's plan for His people. 

It's easy to look at our lives and ask if we are in the right place at the right time (or maybe that's just me--ha!), but the Bible is pretty clear that God has made us unique and for a purpose.

What a precious truth to teach our children and to remind ourselves. As you work through this simple lesson with your little one(s), I challenge you to share with them the ways they are uniquely made. Look them in the eye and tell them all those sweet things you see in them. And wonder at the fact that God knows and created all those incredible details in them (and knows them even more intimately than we do). 

This lesson truly is one of the simplest, but it is also such an encouraging and important one. 

Have a good one!

Nicole

From A to Z: Letter T

There's something about the story of Jesus calming the storm that always feels so relatable to me. The disciples are in a boat being plummeted by waves and wind--they are panicking, worried for their life, and trying to control the situation. And there is Jesus--sleeping. 

They wake Jesus up and frantically and basically say, "Um, Jesus--don't you care that we are dying here?"

Haven't I asked Jesus that question myself in different ways? God--why is this happening? Don't you see what's going on? Please save me from this! Do you even notice me right now? I'm afraid--and what are you doing about it?

I always wonder what tone of his voice was when he asked is disciples why they were so afraid. Was it gentle? Was it sad? Was it frustrated? 

Whatever his tone, his meaning was clear: Don't be afraid; you can trust me.

I think this story is a wonderful story for teaching little ones about what it means to trust God. Whenever I asked my son what trust means, he always replied "obey?" Although it wasn't quite the answer I was looking for, they do go hand-in-hand, don't they? I explained that trusting means to rely on, have faith in, or believe that someone has the ability or strength to do something. The story of how Jesus calms the storm opens the gateway to chatting about how God is able and we can trust Him to take care of us (even in scary situations!)

This lesson included making mixed media boat art (which was a hit with both boys). They loved using lots of different materials to create one picture. We also got to splatter paint and talk about thunderstorms. 

I hope that as you read the story of Jesus calming the storm and make your artwork, that you and your kids are reminded that we can trust God--He has everything in his capable hands (including those feisty waves and howling winds).

Happy gluing!

ps. this book would be another good resource to enjoy and read during this lesson :) 

Nicole

Free Download: Outer Space Activity Kit

3, 2, 1...blast off! This activity kit was definitely a hit in our house--especially for my oldest who LOVES outer-space. 

This kit is perfect for helping kids with Bible learning (they get to fill up their sky with Bible verses they are learning or memorizing) in an engaging and creative way.

ps. you can find this coloring page in the coloring pack in the shop :)

You could also use the outer space background and stars for a chore chart or writing down prayer requests. The sky's the limit! If printing off a large poster printable isn't something you want to do (or know how to do), you could always create your own space background with a piece of poster board, black paint, and glitter. 

There's also a fun rocket puzzle too--cute + easy to cut and glue :) 

If you blast off this printable to your printer and enjoy it with your little ones, I'd love to see how you use it. Just tag #colorandkindness to share :) 

Have a good one, friends!

Nicole

From A to Z: Letter S

ps. My printer is under the weather (or just being stubborn!), so I couldn't print out the other materials in this pack to share. So, take a peek at the download to see how cute letter S is ;)

If there is a Bible passage that is familiar to many people (Christians and non-christians alike), it's Psalm 23. 

"The Lord is my Shepherd..."

I bet many of you could recite it right now. 

Even though I've heard or read that passage probably over 100 times, it's one of those passages that always speaks to my heart.

I have a Shepherd. He knows everything I need. He leads me. He comforts me. What a sweet, sweet truth! Letter S is about teaching our kiddos that God is our Shepherd. 

This lesson is simple, but so important. Make sure you have some cotton balls on hand because you'll definitely need them for this lesson ;) We enjoyed making our cute handprint sheep (I even got messy and made one!) and it will be fun to look back and see their little handprints (and what a reminder to me as a momma that my little ones are also in the Shepherd's hands). 

I hope that you and your family are encouraged as you do this lesson + remember the wonderful truth that God loves you, cares for you, and leads you :) 

Have a good one!

Nicole 

From A to Z: Letter R

Perhaps one of the well-known stories in the Bible is the story of the Moses and the Red Sea crossing. I've heard it so many times that it seems a little "normal."

Yep. Just a huge group of people standing in front of a gigantic body of water and a huge army at their heels. Then, God parts the sea, the people walk through it, and they are rescued from the Egyptians. 

When you really think about this story, it is astounding and miraculous. The Israelites had no hope--they were truly in a lose-lose situation. But God. He rescued them--in a way that could only point to Him. 

Maybe you've had moments like that in your life--you were in a hopeless or sticky place. But God. God provided a way out that only He could provide. The best example of this in all of our lives is that we were hopelessly separated by God because of sin. But God provided a way out through Jesus (the greatest Rescuer of all time). Isn't that the best news?!

The letter R is for God is our Rescuer.  This is such a sweet truth to teach our children (and remind ourselves). He is the superhero of all superheros :) 

This lesson focuses on the story of the Israelites escape from Egypt and kids might get a little messy with some water and wind sensory play. My favorite is teaching them the song "Pharaoh, Pharaoh"--actions included (anyone else remember singing that at Bible camp?)

Ps. Another fun thing to do this week could be to talk about the Passover and make unleavened bread or do an entire seder passover meal (that's family-friendly)

Have a good one friends!

Nicole